NITRO HARLEY

Jay Turner was the number-one qualifier. (Chris Simmons photo)

Qualifying:
1. Jay Turner (Julian, NC) 6.476/209.25
2. Alvin Kobernusz (Manly, IA) 6.778/203.20
3. Tracy Kile (Asheville, NC) 6.974/170.03
4. Brian Jernigan (Cypress, TX) 7.015/209.64
5. Jim Fagan (Valley City, OH) 7.092/200.04
6. Rocky Jackson (Youngsville, LA) 7.421/174.92
7. Randal Andras (Amelia, LA) 7.759/204.59
8. Rickey House (Humble, TX) 7.874/198.32

Tracy Kile qualified third with a 6.974/170.03 but stepped up when Eliminations started. He defeated Rocky Jackson in the first round with a 6.488/212.51 to Jackson’s 7.444/170.16. Kile defeated Alvin Kobernusz in the second round with a 6.541/195.56 to hold off Koebernusz’s top-end charge 6.809/204.08 to get to the finals.

On the other side of the ladder in the upset race of the event Rickey House used a holeshot to defeat No. 1 Qualifier Jay Turner making a 6.394/217.18 pass hold up against Turner’s quicker 6.372/214.54 lap. In the second round Brian Jernigan turned the tables and also advanced on a holeshot defeating House with a 7.116/199.73 to House’s quicker but losing 7.100 at 211.91 mph.

Tracy Kile (Chris Simmons photo)

In a dramatic final round, Kile’s 6.568/205.66 easily beat Jernigan’s 6.962/210.03. After Jernigan crossed the finish line, he became separated from his motorcycle and crashed. He was transported to a local medical center for evaluation.

“It’s the second race of the year, and a very big win,” said Kile. “We come to every race knowing we can win. The IHRA Nitro Harley field is gonna be tough all year long. We’re just going to get used to it and run ‘em round by round.”